Process for the preparation of 6,6-dimethylhept-1-en-4-yn-3-ol

Abstract

The invention provides a process for the preparation of 6,6-dimethylhept-1-en-4-yn-3-ol comprising of reacting t-butylacetylene with a proton-extracting agent selected from the group consisting of an organometallic compound and metallic lithium to form a t-butylacetylide, reacting the acetylide with acrolein at temperatures between −40° C. to +20° C., quenching the reaction mixture and isolating the product.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A process for the preparation of 6,6-dimethylhept-1-en-4-yn-3-ol comprising: 
       (i) reacting t-butylacetylene with a proton-extracting agent selected from the group consisting of an organometallic compound and metallic lithium to form a t-butylacetylide, wherein said organometallic compound has the formula R 2 Li where R 2  is an alkyl or aryl group;  
       (ii) reacting said acetylide with acrolein at temperatures between −40° C. to ±20° C.;  
       (iii) quenching the reaction mixture; and  
       (iv) isolating the product.  
     
     
       2. A process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said organometallic compound is butyllithium. 
     
     
       3. A process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein acrolein is added at a temperature range of −20° C. to +10° C. 
     
     
       4. A process as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein acrolein is added at a temperature range of 0° C. to +5° C.